Electronic tools and methods for meetings

Abstract

A peripheral device for providing communication connectivity to a processing device equipped with memory, a display, and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing device and a standard class of peripheral devices, the peripheral device comprising memory in which executable software code for execution on the processing device is stored, the executable software code comprising: a first software code section for establishing a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the pre-installed generic driver of the operating system;a second software code section for connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral device, the peripheral device comprising a transceiver; a third software code section for screen-scraping data from the processing unit; and a fourth software code section for routing data obtained by screen-scraping between the processing unit and the communication network via the means of communication; wherein the first software code section is designed to use the generic communication protocol for transferring the data obtained by screen-scraping between the processing unit and the peripheral device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic tools for meetings, including methods or devices for providing a connection to a communication network, to networks or methods for operating the network, methods or devices for use in displaying media content, and software for performing any of these methods. Technical background: Tools for collaboration

[0002] Enabling ad hoc groups of people to communicate with each other is one of the fundamental aspects of collaboration, problem-solving, negotiation, teaching, education, etc. To support communication, there has been an explosion in electronic communication tools such as electronic conferencing tools, for example, synchronous and asynchronous conferences, online chat, instant messaging, audio conferencing, video conferencing, data conferencing, application sharing, remote desktop sharing, electronic meeting systems, collaborative management tools (coordination tools), project management systems, knowledge management systems, and social software systems.

[0003] A classic approach involves lectures or seminars often including a presentation using presentation software. To a large extent, the traditional presentation or lecture has been maintained by a single person, while the audience remains in a rather passive mode with regard to determining, constructing, improving, or modifying the information being presented.

[0004] As with other business processes, meetings are going digital. People are increasingly using computer technology, both independently and in conjunction with broadband networks, to support their meeting objectives before and during an actual meeting. For example, email is used to send files around so that people can read them before a meeting.

[0005] Shared workspaces in corporate networks and on the internet offer geographically dispersed employees a virtual repository for project or meeting-related documents. Electronic meeting support systems, such as interactive, network-connected whiteboards and video conferencing equipment, are available to everyone, whether they are sharing the same space or located remotely.

[0006] The AMIDA Final Public Report describes the overall methodology behind the development of meeting support technologies. It reports that numerous studies confirm that meetings dominate the way people work. According to a 2003 study by MCI Worldcom, a businessperson attends 60 meetings per month. People meet in groups for a variety of reasons. They interact in numerous predictable and unpredictable ways, and the results of their interactions are as diverse as the people participating and the projects they are collaborating on or communicating about. Research into business processes also reveals that approximately 80% of the "workload" associated with a project or process arises from meeting preparation.In other words, many people view the "live" meeting as a milestone or deadline by which they can set and measure the pace of their own and their colleagues' productivity. Unfortunately, for many information managers, constant attendance at meetings has reduced their ability to adequately prepare for the next meeting, thus perpetuating a vicious and negative cycle.

[0007] However, Marc Al-Hames et al. report in "Audio-Visual Processing in Meetings: Seven Questions and Current AMI Answers" that, although large portions of the workday are consumed by meetings and conferences, many of them are unfortunately neither efficient nor particularly successful. They report on a study in which people were asked to choose emotional expressions they thought they would frequently experience in a meeting. The top answer—mentioned by more than two-thirds of the participants—was "boring"; furthermore, almost a third mentioned "annoyed" as a frequently perceived emotion.

[0008] The conclusion is that despite the abundance of electronic tools for meetings, fundamental problems in leading meetings remain unresolved. Organizing and conducting meetings in a business context actually involves a large number of factors. participation

[0009] A lack of efficiency in meetings is addressed in the following article: “Mood Indicators on Electronic Meeting Tools,” IBM, IP.com Number: IPCOM000011711D, Publication Date: March 12, 2003. This article discusses the problem that the lack of direct feedback makes meetings cumbersome, inefficient, and often unproductive. It proposes a “mood indicator” as well as an “I would like to ask a question” indicator, which would allow the presenter to choose an appropriate moment to pause, change the subject, or answer a question. It is argued that interrupting a presenter in full flow can be awkward; however, sometimes it is difficult to get an opportunity to ask a question or make a comment when many people are trying to be heard.Similarly, US6966035 proposes displaying a "marble frame" so that a participant can express a view. To increase user participation, US 2010 / 0087139 discloses a system for sending a selection to another computer, and US 2006 / 0095376 discloses a secure voting system. Commenting, voting, or voting requires a central authority to provide the information to be selected, commented on, or voted on. Thus, with these proposals, a central person, such as a presenter, still remains in a dominant position, and the other meeting members are largely an audience with limited selection, voting, or participation rights.

[0010] Another problem with meetings is that someone is usually late or has to leave early. If the person arrives late, a decision must be made whether to adjourn the meeting and provide a summary of the discussions so far. If the person leaving early (often a senior member), subsequent discussions may be lost. If there is a note-taker, this provides a personal summary of the meeting, but not an objective one.

[0011] Current systems do not provide an optimal solution. Legal and security issues

[0012] A legal requirement for meetings is that presentations, comments, and documents must be fully reproducible; in some circumstances, such as a shareholders' meeting, it should be possible to completely reconstruct the events of the meeting. Computer-based collaboration technologies, especially those that capture verbal and nonverbal communication (audio and video interaction) in addition to text and graphics generated during a meeting, promise to have a long-term impact on how people prepare for, and behave during and after, meetings. Furthermore, connecting to a network carries the risk of transmitting viruses, malware, or spyware in both directions, and there is a risk of confidential information being copied. Practical difficulties: Scalability and ease of use

[0013] Using electronic tools in meetings presents even more fundamental problems. If two people want to give two presentations, then either both presentations must be transferred to one machine or the presenters' machines must be swapped. To get a computer's display content onto a projector, the most common methods are to use a cable that connects the graphics card's display adapter to the projector's video input [Method 1], or to use software that captures the display content and sends it over a wired or wireless network to a remote base unit connected to the projector [Method 2]. This is often referred to as a "remote desktop" and is mainly used for remote administration or remote IT support purposes.

[0014] Less common, but also practiced, methods involve using a special device connected to the graphics card's display adapter, which captures and encodes the display content and streams it over a wired or wireless network [Method 3].

[0015] Method 1 has several practical problems and disadvantages. In meetings where people want to contribute content from their own computers, for example, to project images onto a display, a video cable such as a VGA cable is usually used to connect the PCs to the projector one after the other. This is not only not scalable, but can also be a cumbersome process, often resulting in a loss of valuable meeting time and disrupting the flow of the meeting. Connecting can become even more difficult and time-consuming if, for example, the computer needs to be restarted to detect the projector, or if the PC's aspect ratio differs from the projector's. Furthermore, changing the aspect ratio can leave the computer with a new format that is incompatible with its own screen, meaning that restarting the PC alone will result in nothing being displayed on the computer screen.Without a visible screen image, the necessary reconfiguration can be difficult. These problems are exacerbated by a number of factors: . – The use of many different video adapters such as VGA, DVI, DP, HDMI, ... – The range of applications depends on the cable length: Too long and there is a “cable mess” in the meeting room, too short reduces flexibility, which often makes it necessary for people to move around the meeting room when they want to present something. – The cable connection is either a point-to-point connection, or it requires tedious and extensive cabling and the use of complex and expensive video switches. – It is often difficult and time-consuming to find the right display resolution and refresh rate that both the computer and the display or projector support.

[0016] Method 2 also has many shortcomings. If a connection to a company LAN is established, there is a risk of transmitting viruses, malware, or spyware in both directions; there is a risk of confidential information being copied; and there is the difficulty of establishing the connection, for example, entering a user code and password, as well as managing such passwords and user codes.

[0017] The advantage of Method 3 is that the computer does not need to use its own processing power to convert the display content into a format that can be easily transmitted over a network. This advantage becomes less significant as computer processing power increases. A drawback of Method 3 is that it still suffers from the same problems often encountered with Method 1, namely connecting to the display adapter. Another drawback is that the aforementioned special setup requires significant processing power, meaning that this setup is resource-intensive, relatively large, and certainly relatively expensive.

[0018] An alternative method currently under development involves using the computer's familiar USB interface to extract the computer's display content. Such a pluggable cable arrangement is known from US 2009 / 0198839. A similar USB solution for a wireless connection to a projector is known from US 2011 / 0115689. Accordingly, connecting a projector to a computer using the standard USB port could become commonplace over time. However, this typically requires specialized operators and even specialized hardware. While connecting a projector to a computer using the standard USB port could become commonplace, even if this happens, for several years there will be a mix of new and old machines. Firewalls

[0019] Additional problems can arise with firewalls. Typically, a meeting attendee brings a computer, such as a laptop, that is configured for a different company network environment and therefore has different or incompatible network settings. Setting up a firewall can be complicated, and if not done correctly, telecommunications software that needs to pass through the firewall may be blocked. Resolving firewall-related issues may require opening ports, identifying programs, or even adding them to an exception list.If, in addition to a network firewall (hardware) and an operating system firewall, there is any third-party software firewall such as ZoneAlarm, Norton SystemWorks, CA Internet Security Suite, or McAfee Firewall, then it is necessary to follow the software developer's documentation to add programs to a safe list or to add exceptions to the firewall rules. Such activity is beyond the capabilities of the average user. Messing with computer settings or having to call IT support wastes valuable meeting time and disrupts the flow of the meeting. conclusion

[0020] The following problems currently persist for holding an in-person meeting using advanced electronic tools: – Complexity of the network infrastructure. – High demands are placed on the technical expertise of users in current systems, which are supposedly designed to support daily use by non-technical users. – Barriers to the use of complex technology in meetings. – A wide variety of possible collaboration software solutions – none of which seem to solve the fundamental problems of holding successful meetings. – Meetings that are boring or annoying for members of the meeting. – Complexity of firewalls and other security measures used in corporate networks. – Lack of participation by members of a meeting or their restriction. – The time required to prepare presentations for meetings. – The need to record events in the correct chronological order during meetings, without burdening a meeting with more than necessary.

[0021] While some tools effectively solve some of these problems, no single electronic meeting tool solves them all. Brief description of the invention

[0022] One object of the present invention is to provide network solutions that include electronic tools for meetings, including devices for providing a connection to a communication network, methods for operating the network, methods for displaying media content, and software for carrying out any of these methods or for implementing such systems.

[0023] In one aspect, the present invention provides the following: an electronic meeting tool for communicating any media content from users during a meeting, comprising: a node configuration device designed to operate a display node of a communication network, wherein the display node is coupled to a first display, the node configuration device being designed to receive user-selected arbitrary media content and to control the display of the user-selected arbitrary media content on the first display; and at least one peripheral device designed to communicate the user-selected arbitrary media content over the communication network, the peripheral device being a linking unit comprising: (a) a connector designed to couple to a port of a processing unit with a second display, memory and an operating system; and (b) a sender for communicating with the communication network, a program designed to be loaded onto the processing device and to run on the processing device's operating system, the program being designed to receive user-selected arbitrary media content, the program leaving a zero footprint upon termination, and an input device to enable the user to perform a user action that triggers a transfer of the user-selected arbitrary media content to the sender through the port.

[0024] The program can be stored on the peripheral device. The transmitter can be a radio transmitter or a transceiver. The peripheral device can be a plug-and-play device. The program can be designed for screen scraping of content from the second display.

[0025] The input device can be a physical actuator coupled to the peripheral device. The physical actuator preferably has a surface area between 100 and 14,400 square millimeters. Alternatively, the input device can be a button displayed on the second display. The button displayed on the second display can be one that is not obtained by the program through screen scraping.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for connecting a processing unit to a communication network, wherein the processing unit comprises a memory, a display and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing unit and a standard class of peripheral devices, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Coupling a peripheral device to the processing device, wherein the peripheral device includes a transceiver; b) Establishing a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the operating system's pre-installed generic driver; c) Connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral device; d) Routes of screen-scraping data between the processing unit and the communication network via the means of communication, using the generic communication protocol to transfer the screen-scraping data between the processing unit and the peripheral unit.

[0027] Step b) may include: presenting the peripheral device of the processing device as a Human Interface Device and where the pre-installed generic driver is a Human Interface Device driver.

[0028] Alternatively, step b) may include: presenting the peripheral device of the processing device as a mass storage device, wherein the pre-installed generic driver is a mass storage device driver.

[0029] Alternatively, step b) includes presenting the peripheral equipment of the processing equipment as a composite equipment, with the pre-installed generic drivers independently controlling different equipment interfaces.

[0030] A client application can be stored on the peripheral device, which, when executed on the processing device, receives the data obtained through screen scraping. Such a client application can be a portable application.

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention provides the following: a peripheral device for providing communication connectivity to a processing device equipped with a memory, a display, and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing device and a standard class of peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device comprises a memory in which executable software code for execution on the processing device is stored, wherein the executable software code comprises the following: a first software code section to set up a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the operating system's pre-installed generic driver; a second software code section for connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral unit, wherein the peripheral unit comprises a transceiver; a third software code section for screen scraping of data from the processing unit and a fourth software code for routing data obtained by screen-scraping between the processing unit and the communication network via the means of communication; wherein the first software code section is designed to use the generic communication protocol for transferring the data obtained by screen-scraping between the processing unit and the peripheral unit.

[0032] The first software code section can be designed to present the processing unit's peripheral device as a Human Interface Device, with the pre-installed generic driver being a Human Interface Device driver. The first software code section can be designed to present the processing unit's peripheral device as a mass storage device, with the pre-installed generic driver being a mass storage device driver. The first software code section can be designed to present the processing unit's peripheral device as a composite device, with pre-installed generic drivers independently controlling different device interfaces.

[0033] The executable software code may include a fifth code for providing a means of connecting to the communication network, including a base node. The executable software code may also include a sixth code for providing a means of capturing video frame buffers from the processing unit.

[0034] The executable software code may include a seventh code for providing a means to encode, compress, and optionally encrypt the data captured by screen scraping and to transmit the data captured by screen scraping to the communication network. The executable software code may include an eighth code for providing a means to handle the peripheral device. The executable software code may include a ninth code for providing a means to initiate a connection with the base node. The executable software code may include a tenth code for receiving input from an input device on the peripheral device. The executable software code may include an eleventh code for providing a means to send state changes to the visual indicator on the peripheral device.The executable software code may include twelfth code to provide a means of presenting a GUI to the user. The executable code may include thirteenth code to present a GUI for managing the executable software code when run as a portable application. The executable software code may include fourteenth code to provide a means of displaying and activating a button on the client processing unit's display to allow user input to initiate the transfer of data from the processing unit to the base node.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides the following: a peripheral device for providing communication connectivity to a processing device equipped with a memory, a display, and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing device and a standard class of peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device comprises a memory in which executable software code for execution on the processing device is stored, wherein the executable software code comprises the following: a first software code section to set up a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the operating system's pre-installed generic driver; a second software code section for connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral unit, the peripheral unit comprising a transceiver; and a third processing software code for routing data between the processing unit and the communication network via the means of communication; wherein the first software code section is designed to use the generic communication protocol for transferring the data between the processing unit and the peripheral unit, and The input device is coupled to the peripheral device, wherein the input device is designed to respond to a user action to trigger the transfer of data from the processing device to the peripheral device.

[0036] The first software code section can be designed to present the processing unit's peripheral device as a Human Interface Device, with the pre-installed generic driver being a Human Interface Device driver. The first software code section can be designed to present the processing unit's peripheral device as a mass storage device, with the pre-installed generic driver being a mass storage device driver. The first software code section can be designed to present the processing unit's peripheral device as a composite device, with pre-installed generic drivers independently controlling different device interfaces.

[0037] The input device is preferably a physical actuator coupled to the peripheral device. The physical actuator preferably has a surface area between 100 and 14,400 square millimeters. The input device can, for example, be a button for displaying information on the screen. The executable software code can include a fourth code for providing means of connecting to the communication network, including a base node. The executable software code can include a fifth code for providing means of capturing video frame buffers from the processing device. The executable software code can include a sixth code for providing means of encoding, compressing, and optionally encrypting the video frames and transmitting them to the base node via a secure connection.The executable software code may include a seventh code snippet to provide a means for handling the peripheral device. The executable software code may include an eighth code snippet to provide a means for initiating a connection with the base node. The executable software code may include a ninth code snippet to receive input from an input device on the peripheral device. The executable software code may include a tenth code snippet to provide a means for sending state changes to the visual indicator on the peripheral device. The executable software code may include an eleventh code snippet to provide a means for presenting a GUI to the user. The executable code may include a twelfth code snippet to present a GUI for managing the executable software code when run as a portable application.The executable software code may include a thirteenth code to provide a means of displaying and activating a button on the display of the processing unit to allow user input to start the transfer of data from the processing unit to the base node.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, a peripheral device is provided for providing communication connectivity to a processing device, which is equipped with a memory, a display, and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing device and a standard class of peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device comprises a memory in which executable software code for execution on the processing device is stored, wherein the executable software code comprises the following: a first software code section to set up a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the operating system's pre-installed generic driver; a second software code section for connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral unit, wherein the peripheral unit comprises a transceiver; a third software code section for receiving media content from the network and displaying the media content on the display according to a set of rules; wherein the first software code section is designed to use the generic communication protocol for transferring the media content between the peripheral device and the processing device.

[0039] The executable software code may include a fourth code to provide a means for correctly configuring a receiver as an access point. The executable software code may include a fifth code to provide a means for listening to output from connection units attempting to connect to a specific port. The executable software code may include a sixth code to provide a GUI for administrative purposes. The executable software code may include a seventh code to provide a means for publishing its presence over the network using the Zeroconf protocol. The executable software code may include an eighth code to provide a means for accepting and installing software updates.The executable software code may include a ninth code for providing a means to provide facilities for pairing connection units with the processing device. The executable software code may include a tenth code for providing a means for auto-composing various incoming arbitrary media streams and rendering a composite image on the display. The executable software code may include an eleventh code for providing a means to receive, decrypt, and decode incoming arbitrary media content. The executable software code may include a twelfth code for scaling incoming arbitrary media streams. The executable software code may include a thirteenth code for providing a means to display incoming arbitrary media content according to a set of rules.

[0040] The present invention also provides a method for communicating any media content from users during a meeting, comprising: Operating a display node of a communication network, wherein the display node is coupled to a first display to receive any media content selected by a user and to control the display of the arbitrary media content selected by a user on the first display; and Connecting a peripheral device to a port of a processing device and communicating user-selected media content over the communication network, loading a program onto the processing device and executing the program on the processing device's operating system to obtain user-selected media content, with the program leaving a zero footprint upon termination, and triggering a transfer of user-selected media content to the sender through the port after a user action at an input device.

[0041] The present invention also provides a peripheral device comprising the following: a base, a connector for connecting to a plug and play port of a host processing unit, a flexible connection between the base and the connector for transferring data signals and power, an actuator on the base for actuating a signal and for transferring the signal to the connector for transfer to the port, wherein the base comprises electronics comprising a permanent storage for storing a portable application, a processing engine, a transceiver and a visual indicator.

[0042] The present invention also provides a method for providing communication connectivity from a processing unit, Setting up a communication network between a base node of the communication network and a peripheral device coupled to the processing device; Transferring media content between the processing unit and the peripheral unit, Transfer of media content from the peripheral device to the communication network, Receiving media content from the communication network at the base node and displaying the media content on a display according to a set of rules.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, when pairing the peripheral device, the only user actions required to connect the processing device to the communication network, and thus to the first or central display, are plugging the peripheral device into the processing device and, optionally, pressing the button on the peripheral device. This method allows for automatic connection of the peripheral device to the display node without any user interaction or configuration.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention also include any of the above software code stored on a non-temporary storage medium. Definitions

[0045] "Plug and Play" is a term used to describe the characteristics of a computer bus or a device specification that facilitates the discovery of a hardware component in a system without the need for physical device configuration or user intervention to resolve resource conflicts. Plug and Play devices can be added to a computer system's bus (while it is running or when it is powered off), and the newly added device, and potentially the rest of the computer system, is automatically configured to function correctly from both a hardware and software perspective.

[0046] Examples of plug and play interfaces include (but are not limited to): Firewire (IEEE-1394), PCI, Mini PCI, PCI Express, Mini PCI Express, PCMCIA, PC Card, Universal Serial Bus (USB), SDIO cards.

[0047] "Autoconfiguration" is the automatic configuration of devices without manual intervention, without adjusting any switches or jumpers, and without any need for software configuration. An example of autoconfigurable devices: USB devices. Examples of auto-configuring protocols: DHCP, Zeroconf, Bonjour.

[0048] A plug-and-play device typically includes auto-configuration software so that it can be connected and run. For example, USB devices are designed to be plugged in and running by automatically installing the correct auto-configuration software (e.g., host drivers, host stack, application software). Auto-configuration can also refer to software alone and is not limited to a physical device.

[0049] Hot-swapping and hot-plugging are terms used to describe the ability to replace computer system components without shutting down the system. Specifically, hot-swapping describes the replacement of components without significantly interrupting system operation, while hot-plugging describes the addition of components that would expand the system without significantly interrupting its operation. A well-known example of this functionality is the Universal Serial Bus (USB), which allows users to add or remove peripheral devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. Other examples include eSATA, PCIe, and FireWire.

[0050] A portable application (portable app), sometimes called a stand-alone application, is a computer software program designed to run without installation on the target machine. This type of application is stored on a removable storage device such as a CD, USB flash drive, flash card, or floppy disk—with its program files, configuration information, and data stored only on the storage medium. It is a program that can be stored on an electronic device such as a USB flash drive, iPod, memory card, portable hard disk drive, or other portable electronic device and run on a computer or other processing device connected to the electronic device without requiring any permanent configuration changes to the host computer.All such programs have a zero footprint, meaning that all temporary files, registry entries, and any other changes to the machine only exist while the program is running.

[0051] In order to be considered a portable application, a software program for the purposes of the present invention may: does not require any kind of formal installation on a computer's permanent storage device and can be stored on a removable storage device such as a USB flash drive, iPod, memory card, portable hard drive or other portable electronic storage device, making it usable on multiple computers.

[0052] Settings are saved with the software and can therefore be easily transferred with it (that is, written to an electronic device such as a USB drive). Settings are not stored in the registry or any other central system database of the computer.

[0053] This leaves a "footprint" of zero (or almost zero) on every PC it runs on after it has been used; that is, any temporary files / registry database settings should either be avoided or at least removed after the program has been exited, and user-created files can be saved directly to the same removable medium on which the application is stored.

[0054] A portable application does not leave its files or settings on the host computer on which it runs. For example, the application does not write to the Windows registry or store its configuration files (such as an INI file) in the user profile; instead, it stores its configuration files in the program's directory. Because file paths often differ due to variations in drive letter assignments in Windows, another requirement is that applications store them in a relative format. Such a program preferably does not require a startup program to copy necessary settings and files to the host computer when the application starts and to move them back to the application's directory when it closes, as this can leave a remnant on the hard drive in the event of a power failure.

[0055] Electronic Meeting Systems (EMS) must be distinguished from both traditional groupware and web conferencing systems. In reality, there is some overlap in minor features between products in these categories. The main difference compared to groupware lies in the level of collaboration. EMS should be distinguished from systems that allow multiple users to simultaneously share the content of an individual computer screen on a remote display.

[0056] Groupware supports collaboration within groups where individual contributions remain identifiable. In contrast, electronic meeting systems (EMS) enable the group to collectively produce a result for which the group as a whole is responsible. In a business process, groupware and electronic meeting systems complement each other: Groupware supports teams in researching and creating documents in preparation for an EMS session or when implementing the results of such a session.

[0057] Web conferencing systems and electronic meeting systems complement each other in online meetings or workshops: EMS extends the web conferencing system by providing interactive tools for generating and documenting group results. Conversely, web conferencing systems complement EMS with shared screen sharing and audio conferencing functionality, which are necessary for synchronous online meetings and are not available in EMS.

[0058] "Data conference" refers to a communication session between two or more participants who exchange computer data in real time. Interaction and presentation equipment such as a screen, keyboard, mouse, camera, etc., can be shared. This term distinguishes it from video and audio conferences. The data can include a screen, documents, graphics, drawings, and applications that the meeting participants can view.

[0059] Application sharing is a remote access feature, often referred to as collaboration software, that allows two or more users to simultaneously access a shared application or document in real time from their respective computers. Generally, the shared application or document runs on a host computer, and remote access to the shared content is provided by the host user to the other users. Application sharing should be distinguished from systems where collaboration on the application between different users is not possible, but where content from individual computer screens can be projected onto a remote display by multiple users at the same time.

[0060] The phrase "any media content" refers to the fact that a user can generate, create, or select any media content appropriate for display. This differs from a client voting on or selecting media content to be displayed by another client in a meeting or presentation. This phrase refers to client-oriented, distributed rights and privileges for displaying content, rather than a central presenter delivering content to meeting members.

[0061] In our context, "screen scraping" refers to reading and processing the video framebuffers, rather than simply rendering them on a display. Screen scraping for presentations is described in US2002 / 0196378 to Slobodin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] “Auto-Composition” or “Auto-Layout” refers to the automatic nature of how multiple graphics / video sources are rendered on a central display without user intervention and in a way that a user would intuitively expect.

[0063] “Wireless” and “wireless communication network” can be any network that does not use cable connections between nodes, for example, using RF, optical or infrared for communication purposes, such as IrDA, diffuse infrared, WLAN, WiMax, WiFi, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth or any other wireless communication network known to a person skilled in the art.

[0064] "Computer" generally refers to a processing device, that is, one with a processing engine capable of various types of digital processing, such as rendering graphics for display. A computer can take the form of a workstation, PC, laptop, palmtop, PDA, smartphone, tablet, and so on. Generally, a computer has memory, such as volatile RAM. Non-volatile memory, such as a hard drive, optical disk, or solid-state storage device, may be contained within the computer or be a peripheral device. Currently, most computers are electronic, but the term "computer" also includes optically based computing devices.

[0065] The term "pre-installed generic driver" refers to a driver that is installed on a processing device, such as a computer, as a standard driver, for example, installed with the operating system. Such a driver is a standard for the operating system and can control a standard class of peripheral devices that are connected to or coupled with the processing device. Installing a specific driver for such a peripheral device is not required. Such a generic driver can be a Human Interface Driver (HID) or a mass storage device driver, which has predefined software components configured to control mass storage devices, a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard, etc., or combinations thereof.Such devices can be readable and writable computer peripheral storage devices such as USB flash drives, flash memory, external hard drives, or the like. Brief descriptions of the drawings

[0066] Fig. Figure 1a shows a meeting room that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1b shows a combination of a client processing unit, a connection unit, a base node and a display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig. Figure 2 shows a screen display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 5 shows a base node, a peripheral device, and a client processing device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Fig. Figure 6 shows a display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Fig. Figure 7 shows a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Fig. Figure 8 shows a client processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig. Figure 9 shows another client processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Fig. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention

[0074] The present invention is described with regard to certain embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but is only limited by the claims. The described drawings are only schematic and non-limiting.

[0075] Furthermore, in the description and in the claims, the terms first, second, third, and the like are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the invention can function in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0076] Furthermore, the terms "upper", "lower", "above", "below", and the like are used in the description and claims for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions. The terms used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the invention described herein may function in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0077] The term "comprising" as used in the claims should be interpreted as being limited to the meanings listed below; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It must be interpreted as specifying the presence of certain features, integers, steps, or components, as mentioned, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that, with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0078] Similarly, it is noted that the term "coupled," also used in the description or claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device A, coupled to a device B" should not be limited to devices or systems where an output of device A is directly coupled to an input of device B. It means that a path exists between an output of A and an input of B, which may be a path that includes other devices or means.

[0079] Elements or parts of the described devices may include logic encoded in media for performing some type of information processing. The logic may include software encoded on a floppy disk or other computer-readable medium, and / or instructions encoded in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA (Feed Programmable Gate Array), or other processor or hardware.

[0080] References to software can include any type of program in any language that can be executed directly or indirectly by a processor.

[0081] References to logic, hardware, processor, or circuit arrangement may include any type of logic or analog circuit arrangement, integrated to some degree, and are not limited to general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, ASICs, FPGAs, discrete components, or transistor logic gates, etc.

[0082] Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to three main problems in meetings: a) The time to prepare for a meeting. This is achieved primarily by allowing an "on-the-fly" presentation of any displayable information. This information does not need to be linked to any specific presentation software, nor does it need to be compatible with any such presentation software. b) the time required to conduct the meeting using electronic meeting tools. This is achieved by reducing the time needed to connect computers to the display or projection system. c) Time for reflection on, review, and documentation of the meeting afterward. This is achieved by providing the ability to record the meeting in the same time sequence in which it was conducted, and by being able to save all presented data and who presented it.

[0083] Fig. 1a is a schematic representation of a generic meeting room 30 with a meeting table that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. Participants 37 indicate a specific type of processing facility 31 on, such as a laptop computer, a tablet, a PDA, etc. Each of the processing devices31 can be a host facility and has a first connection unit 47 , to which it is coupled. The first connecting unit 47 provides access to a network 50 , which in this case is a wireless network, but it could be a wired network. Each connection unit 47 can be connected to an input device 48 be coupled, which will be described in more detail later. A user 37 will usually be located at a distance from the processing facility 31The ergonomic and satisfactory working area is located within a defined boundary. This ergonomic boundary is typically a range of approximately 1000 to 4000 square centimeters. This boundary will generally have the user as one side, with the comfortable reach of the arms defining an area on the left and right sides of the processing equipment within the ergonomic boundary. The far edge of the processing equipment (usually defined by a display screen) will define the other side of the ergonomic boundary. The area defined by the ergonomic boundary is then connected to the processing equipment. 31 overlap or contain them. The processing facility will also have an outer physical boundary. The input facility 48 is preferably designed to be located outside the boundary of the processing facility 31It works, but within ergonomic limits. Preferably, the input device is designed to function when lying flat on the table. The input device preferably has an activation area between 1 and 144 square centimeters.

[0084] The network 50 A local area network is preferred, meaning preferably local to the meeting room for security reasons, but the network can 50 Access to other local or long-distance networks such as 51 or to a larger company network or the internet 43 , for example via a router 42 , have. Another node in the network 50 is the base or display node 36 This node 36 can optionally be a wireless access node. The base node 36 It can also be a processing unit or a host computer and can be connected to a second connection unit. 49be coupled, which have access to the network 50 supplies, thereby enabling all processing facilities 31 , 36 They can be coupled together. The connection unit can have an input device as described above. Alternatively, the base node can be connected to... 36 Installed network connections will be used. Audio device 46 It may be provided, for example, a telephone that allows other members of the meeting to call in from distant destinations.

[0085] The display node 36 is coupled and designed in such a way that it enables the display of media on a certain type of display 44 permitted. In embodiments of the present invention, the display node is a base node of the communication network. 50 The display 44 can be a projector and a screen, with the projector connected to the base node 36 is coupled. A whiteboard 45can be provided optionally, optionally connected to the display 44 and / or the base node 36 This is linked, for example, if the whiteboard can electronically record what is written on it. Optionally, a camera can be used. 35 be available to display the entries on the whiteboard 45 to record. The camera 35 can a third connection unit 52 to connect the camera 35 with the network 50 exhibiting such that the data from the whiteboard is recorded and stored or transmitted via the router 42 can be transferred to other networks. The connection unit 52 may have an input device as described above.

[0086] Cameras can be added to optional devices. 39 , 40 , 41 These cameras are used to record the meeting proceedings. They can be connected to a network. 51, for example a wired network, with the router 42 and / or the base node 36 be connected. Another optional item is one or more microphones. 38 , which are used to transmit audio, for example, to the processing facilities 31 and to unseen loudspeakers connected to the base node 36 or part of the display 44 are attached and can be used.

[0087] Any or all of the output signals from the processing equipment 31 The cameras, the whiteboard, etc., can be, for example, in the node 36 or otherwise digitally recorded and stored to provide a complete record with correct time sequence.

[0088] In summary, the present invention provides an electronic meeting tool for communicating any meeting content between different users.37 (with their own processing facilities) 31 e.g., PC, mobile phone or tablet) and a display or a projector or multiple displays or projectors 44 in the meeting room 50 ready.

[0089] With reference to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b embodiments of the present invention comprise a base or display node 36 , which is a processing unit, for example a host computer, designed to receive any media content chosen by a user, where the base node 36 to a central display 44 This is coupled to a fixed-format display, a projector, or something similar. Any media content can be displayed from any of the user processing devices. 31 be provided. The base node 36It can be configured to display any media content received and selected by a user according to a set of rules, for example, FIFO, automatic, on request or with consent, forced display, according to a priority, etc. The base node is optional. 36 Designed to force the display of any media content received and selected by a user, that is, to allow participation in the meeting by an individual user who displays their own selected content on the screen 44Regardless of the person nominally responsible for giving a presentation or chairing the meeting, forcing display can also be considered a rule. The meeting tool can also be designed to allow priority settings. This means a user can set a priority for the media to be displayed. For example, a priority of "1" can be interpreted by the base node as forced display, a priority of "2" can be seen as displaying as soon as possible, a priority of "3" can be seen as being in a queue and being shown when the time comes, and so on. Setting and using display priorities are also considered to operate according to rules. To execute the rules, the base node 36 possess a decision module. The base node 36This can be a host computer with a processing engine such as a microprocessor and memory. The preferred option is the base node. 36 designed so that it connects to the base node 36 from any or all of the connection units 47 Forwarded media content is treated in the same way. The base node 36 It can be designed for the auto-composition of media content on the central display. 44 , which is connected to it, for example by one or more processing facilities 31 .

[0090] An independent aspect of the present invention is at least one connecting unit 47 (optional 49 (for receiving), which is designed to communicate any media content chosen by a user to the base node. 36 The connecting units are preferred. 47 and / or optional 49physical plug and play devices. An example of a connection unit is in Fig. 10 shown schematically.

[0091] The connecting unit 47 can be placed in a user processing facility 31 It may be integrated, for example as an internal peripheral device, or may preferably be an external peripheral device comprising a connector designed to couple to a port of a user processing device. 31 The processing facility 31 It can include a client display, a processing engine such as a microprocessor, memory, and an operating system. The optional connection unit 49 can be in the base node 36 for example, it can be integrated as an internal peripheral device or it can be an external peripheral device that includes a connector designed to couple to a port of the base node. 36The connecting unit 49 can go all the way to the base node 36 be integrated, for example into an internal network interface of the base node 36 The base node 36 It may contain a processing engine such as a microprocessor, memory, and an operating system.

[0092] The user processing facilities 31 , the connecting units 47 (optional 49 ) and the base node 36 work together to create a communication network 50 to connect at least one of the several processing units 31 , 36 and the central display unit 44 to train. The communication network 50 is designed to receive any media content from at least one of the several processing units 31and for transferring any media content from at least one of the several processing units to the central display unit 44 .

[0093] An independent aspect of the present invention is a portable application. 60 , which is designed to access a client processing facility 31 to be loaded and installed on the client processing unit's operating system 31 to run. The portable application 60 runs as a process on the client processing unit 31 , which is designed to process any media content from the client processing facility 31 to the communication network 50 to deliver, in response to an input device 48 The user action applied leaves a zero footprint upon completion. Optionally, the portable application... 60 on each connection unit47 and optional 49 saved. The portable application is preferred. 60 designed for "screen scraping" content from the client display of the client processing unit 31 The portable application is optional. 60 , if they are on a processing facility 31 It is running, designed for "screen scraping" content from the client display of this client processing unit. 31 and to connect it via a link unit 47 to transfer. The portable application is optional. 60 , when running on the processing unit, for "screen scraping" content from the client display of the client processing unit 31 designed to transmit it via a network interface of the processing unit 31 for example, to transmit when the connection unit 47 does not have a transmitter.

[0094] The connecting unit 47to communicate with the base node 36 For example, one has a transmitter. 62 comprehensive network interface. The transmitter 62 A transmitter / receiver is preferred. Optionally, the transmitter / receiver can be wireless.

[0095] The base node 36 to communicate with the connection unit 47 indicates a recipient 63 on, which is in the connecting unit 49 contained or in the base nodes 36 It can be integrated. The receiver is preferably a transceiver. Optionally, the transmitter / receiver can be a wireless transmitter / receiver.

[0096] The input device 48 allows user interaction with the connection unit 47 The preferred input device is... 48 a connection unit 47 coupled physical actuator. The input device 48The user action performed generates a signal that initiates a transfer of data from the processing facility. 31 (to the connecting unit) 47 is coupled) to the network 50 can trigger. Preferably, the input device 48 It features an activating surface that is between 100 and 14,400 square millimeters in size. Optionally, the input device can be... 48 be a key that appears on client display 1 of a client processing unit 31 This button is displayed. This button can be activated, for example, using a pointing device such as a mouse, and initiate a data transfer from the processing device. 31 to the network 50 trigger.

[0097] The connecting unit 47 is preferably equipped with a visual indicator 61 equipped to, for example, receive user feedback from the connection unit 47to allow information about the status of any activity.

[0098] The system can also be a server program 64 included, which is used to load onto the base node 36 is designed, whereby the program 64 It is designed to receive any media content from one or more client processing units. 31 through the connecting units 47 (optional 49 ), and to display this plurality of arbitrary media content streams on one or more displays 44 to show. The server program 64 It can be configured to allow display according to one or more rules, for example, FIFO, automatic, on demand, forced, according to priority, etc. The server program can execute the rules. 64 have a decision module.

[0099] The server program is preferred. 64designed to handle media content sent to it from any or all of the connection units 47 has been forwarded, to be treated in the same way. The server program 64 It can be designed for auto-composing media content on the central display. 44 .

[0100] The server program 64 It can also be a portable application designed to operate on the base node 36 to be loaded and on the operating system of the base node 36 to run. The portable application 64 executes a process on the base node 36 from, which is designed to process any media content from the client processing device 31 was received via the communication network 50 to display, whereby the process leaves a zero footprint upon completion. The portable application is optional. 64 on each connection unit 49and optionally 7 saved and can be installed from there.

[0101] The system can also be a central display unit 44 and optionally a whiteboard 45 or other display devices such as a printer. The display 44 is designed to receive any media content chosen by a user, and can be designed to allow the display of the received, user-chosen media content according to one or more rules, for example FIFO, automatic, forced, on request or upon approval, according to a priority, etc.

[0102] Optionally, one of the connection units can be 47 It should be designed to be a primary connection unit. Such a primary connection unit can be designed to instruct the base node when to process media content from a client processing unit. 31which can be displayed or which of the processing facilities can be allowed to send content for display.

[0103] In embodiments of the present invention, at least one portable application is used, for example, for the client software on a client processing unit. 31 or optionally on the base node 36 In these embodiments, one of the operating system's pre-installed generic drivers is used on the relevant computer device. 31 , 36 to set up communication from the computer system 31 , 36 to the network 50 via the connection unit 47 (optional 49 ) exploited. The generic driver is used in conjunction with the connection unit. 47 (optional 49) which functions as a peripheral device, but its use can extend beyond that of the standard class of peripheral devices for which the generic driver is intended. In some embodiments, the connection unit communicates 47 (optional 49 ), which is operated as a peripheral device, with the relevant processing device 31 , 36 by using a generic communication protocol provided by the pre-installed generic driver. Pre-installed USB drivers are examples. Preferably, the network communication setup is modified or affected. 50 using the connection unit 47 (optional 49 ) not the network capability of the relevant processing facility 31 , 36 For example, if on the client processing unit 31When a browser is started, this browser can use the standard network interface at the processing facility. 31 use. This means that data is transferred via the connection unit. 47 (optional 49 ) from the transfer of data via the network interfaces of the processing facility 31 or 36 It is independent. This has the advantage that each user can perform processing such as searching the internet to collect data independently of the transfer of data to be displayed during a meeting, or receiving emails, etc.

[0104] Using a portable application has the advantage that any modification to settings in the registry or generally in the operating system can be avoided, so that in the event of any kind of termination, for example disconnecting the electronic device, in the event of a system crash, no trace remains.

[0105] This is commonly referred to as a "zero footprint".

[0106] The present invention has the advantage of scalability. It can provide a display system for use by multiple users in meetings. Each user in the meeting can thus have a client processing unit. 31 for coupling to a connection unit 47 possess. An initial user action connects the client processing unit. 31 with the base node 36 , for example by inserting a connecting unit 47into the relevant interface connector on the processing unit 31 For example, a USB interface. A second user action, which activates a button or key on the input device (e.g., by pressing it), then starts the process of transferring any media content from the client processing device. 31 to the base node 36 This process preferably involves screen scraping data from the processing unit. Using screen scraping avoids the need for special programs on the base node. 36 be installed to be used by the processing facility 31 to execute sent graphics commands. If the base node 36 If the device receives the majority of any media content, it can allow an automatic composition of this media content on the central display connected to it.

[0107] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to certain more specific embodiments.

[0108] With reference to Fig. 2 can be located on a base node 36 running base node software ( 6 ) designed to display an input screen on the central display ( 21 ) to display its readiness to receive any media content via its receiver. This input screen ( 21 ) can also show instructions on how to use the system, as well as the configuration parameters (see later) to configure the base node 36 to access these configuration parameters. These configuration parameters are also available in a transparent workspace at the bottom of the central display ( 22 ) shown.

[0109] A client processing facility 31 , who wants their arbitrary media content to be available on the base node 36The connected central display is shown with a connection unit 47 connected. The portable application 60 is on the client processing unit 31 It runs as a host device. An initial user interaction establishes a connection between the portable application and the host device. 60 and the base node 36 using the transmitter in the connection unit 47 and the receiver in the base node 36 A second user interaction, this time at the input device. 48 , enables screen scraping of any media content from the client processing unit's display by the portable application, which is then transmitted via the connection unit 47 is sent to the base node.

[0110] The base node 36 receives the majority of any media content from one or more connection units 47comes, and performs an auto-composing of this media content for rendering on the central display.

[0111] The visual indicator 61 at the connecting unit 47 Indicates to the user and other meeting participants that media content is being accessed from this connection unit. 47 at the base node 36 will be sent to the police.

[0112] Repeating the second user interaction at the input device 48 a connection unit 47 decouples the media content from this connection unit 47 from the base node 36 The base node 36 removes this media content from the composed image on the central display and recomposes the remaining content on the central display.

[0113] The content on the central display / projector will be displayed as shown in Fig. The content is shown in two sections, arranged automatically. When user 1 adds content, their display scales to fill the available workspace of the central display as much as possible without affecting the aspect ratio. When user 2 adds their content, it is added to the side of the first image. When user 3 adds their content, the arrangement becomes triangular. Adding user 4 makes the image a two-by-two tile, which is the maximum available. If an additional user attempts to add content, they are blocked. If a user initiates an action to remove their content, their media content is removed from the central display, and the user moves back to the previous section. Fig. 2 shown composition sequence. Base node software

[0114] The base node software has one or more of the following features: – An initial code to provide a means or a procedure step for correctly configuring the receiver of the base node as an access point. – A second code to provide a means or procedure step for listening for an output signal from interconnect units attempting to connect to a specific port. – Optionally, a third code to provide a means or process step for a GUI for administrative purposes, offered, for example, via a web interface. – Optionally, a fourth code to provide a means or procedure step for publishing its presence over the network using the Zeroconf protocol. – Optionally, a fifth code to provide a means or process step for accepting and installing software updates of the base node and for the portable application software for the usage units. – A sixth code to provide a means or process step for providing facilities for pairing connection units with the base node. – A seventh code to provide a means or process step for auto-composing various incoming arbitrary media streams and rendering a composite image on the display or projector screen. – An eighth code to provide a means or process step for receiving, decrypting, and decoding incoming arbitrary media content. – Optionally, a ninth code to provide a means or process step for scaling incoming arbitrary media streams. – Optionally, a tenth code to provide a means of displaying any incoming media content according to a set of one or more rules.

[0115] One of the above codes can be stored on a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, a solid-state storage device, etc.

[0116] Portable Application for the Client Processing Unit: The portable application includes a screen-scraping algorithm. Screen-scraping algorithms include VNC and RDP or similar. The algorithm may contain a combination of algorithms, such as VNC and RDP, optimized for different content, for example, static text or video. The portable application has one or more of the following features: – An eleventh code to provide a means or a procedure step for connecting to a network containing the base node. – A twelfth code to provide a means or procedure step for capturing video framebuffers of the client processing unit, i.e., a computer (C), also known as screen scraping. – A thirteenth code to provide a means or process step to encode, compress, and optionally encrypt these video frames and send them over a secure connection to the base node. Only modified areas, such as rectangles or triangles of the screen, need to be transferred, and different types of rectangles or triangles are encoded in different ways (e.g., RLE, JPEG, ...) to optimize performance. – A fourteenth code to provide a means or a procedure step for handling the connection unit. – A fifteenth code to provide a means or a procedure step to initiate a connection to the base node. – A sixteenth code for receiving input signals from the input device at the connection unit. – A seventeenth code to provide a means or procedure step for sending state changes to the visual indicator on the link unit. – Optionally, an eighteenth code to provide a means or process step to provide the user with a GUI ( 18 to present. – Optionally, a nineteenth code to present a GUI for managing the portable application. – Optionally, a twentieth code to provide a means or procedure step to display and activate a button on the client processing facility's display to allow user input to initiate the transfer of data from the client facility to the base node.

[0117] One of the above codes can be stored on a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, a solid-state storage device, etc.

[0118] In this embodiment, the portable application is stored on the connection unit and runs in an execution context on the client processing unit. The portable application does not need to be copied to or installed on the computer; it can run directly from the connection unit. It is only temporarily copied to an execution context on the client processing unit. There are also no changes to the configuration or settings on the client processing unit. This means that nothing remains on the client processing unit when the connection unit is removed. It also implies that the portable application runs on client processing units where the user does not have the necessary access rights to install software.

[0119] The portable application is designed so that – No specific drivers need to be installed on the client processing device, – pre-installed drivers are used, for example for classes of peripheral devices, – it is independent of vendor-specific graphics hardware, – it runs on at least one and preferably a variety of different client processing devices, including Windows, Mac OS / X, Linux, Android, iOS and many others. Advantages

[0120] The present application has one or more of the following advantages: – No need for a leading role at the meeting – Standard plug and play connectivity of connection units with the base node Simple and well-known user actions are used. – Client processing facilities' own network infrastructure is not blocked. – No configuration changes to the client processing setup – Input devices are easily accessible; for example, large size – Program updates for the portable application and the server program can be performed locally. Portable applications are used, no installation required, multi-platform, not vendor-specific. – Certain implementations of screen scraping through portable applications avoid vendor-specific graphics setups. Standard drivers are used. – No configuration changes to the client processing facilities – Applications with a zero footprint on client processing facilities – nothing needs to be deleted, changed, or reconfigured. – Do not block the client processing facilities' own network equipment – No configuration changes on user computers – Low risk of viruses, malware and spyware.

[0121] The portable application can be stored on a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, a solid-state storage device, etc. Second embodiment

[0122] In the second embodiment, with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. The base node is a separate physical processing facility, referred to as the base unit (B), comprising a permanent storage, memory, a processing engine, a wireless access point ( 4 ), a plug and play interface such as a USB port ( 11 ), a graphics display output adapter ( 5 ) such as VGA / DP / DVI / HDMI and optionally an audio output adapter ( 27 An input device with an actuator such as a button 13 and a visual indicator 14are optional.

[0123] The connection unit is a physical device in the form of an external peripheral device (shown in the drawings as a "dongle" D), comprising permanent storage that enables the portable application ( 7 ) and configuration parameters ( 12 ) stores, a memory, a processing engine (e.g. CPU, FPGA), a wireless transmitter such as WiFi ( 3 ), a plug and play interface such as a USB interface ( 2 ), a button as an input device ( 9 ) and an LED ring as a visual indicator ( 10 The portable application is on the peripheral device ( 7 ) saved.

[0124] The client processing device is a host device, for example a computer or laptop, that has a display, a plug and play interface such as a USB port ( 2), includes a memory and a processing engine such as a microprocessor.

[0125] The system therefore includes: – an external peripheral device (D) that has a plug and play interface such as a USB interface ( 2 ) at one end and a communication interface such as a client ( 3 ) configured wireless interface at the other end, – a base unit (B) that has a communication interface, such as a wireless interface configured as an access point, at one end ( 4 ) and a video card adapter ( 5 ) such as VGA, DVI, DP or HDMI at the other end, – a portable application ( 7 ), which runs on the peripheral device (D), but on the client processing device (C), – a basic node software ( 6), which is stored on and executed on the base unit (B).

[0126] The external peripheral device (D) also preferably includes one or any combination of the following: – a large button as an actuator for the input device ( 9 ), which allows user interaction with the peripheral device. The button preferably has an activation area between 100 and 14,400 square millimeters. – Visual indicator such as an LED ( 10 ), which allows user feedback from the peripheral device.

[0127] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they provide data transfer to the peripheral device via a peripheral interface, such as a USB interface, on any processing device, such as a computer, in a manner that is largely operating system independent and leaves no footprint (zero footprint). The installation of drivers and / or applications on such a processing device, such as a computer, is unnecessary if pre-installed generic drivers are available. Administrator rights on the processing device, such as a computer, are preferably not required. To avoid the need for administrator rights, embodiments of the present invention use other drivers pre-installed on a peripheral device, such as USB-class drivers, which are supported without any additional installation.Embodiments of the present invention route data obtained at least by screen scraping, presented by client software running on the processing device, for transfer to a communication network via a peripheral device such as a USB device. This bypasses any network interface of the processing device (and thus many firewalls), but only for the specific client software. Other applications are not affected and can use the standard network interfaces; that is, packets to / from the TCP / IP stack are transferred to a network device as normal. The client software is launched from the peripheral device, such as a composite USB device or storage device, as a portable application, which can prevent any traces from being left on the host OS. Basic use scenario of the second embodiment

[0128] The base node software (6 ) displays an input screen on the projector – ( 21 ) in Fig. 5 –, who demonstrates his willingness to share any media content via his recipient ( 4 ) to receive. This input screen ( 21 ) also shows instructions on how to use the system, as well as the configuration parameters (see later) to reach the base node. These configuration parameters are also displayed in a transparent workspace at the bottom of the central display ( 22 ) shown.

[0129] To avoid user interaction for configuring the connection between the peripheral device and the base unit, a pairing process is used. This pairing process provides the peripheral device, i.e., the connection unit, with the network parameters needed to set up the local network. As an example, the peripheral device can be briefly plugged into the USB port ( 11) of the base unit (B). The base unit then optionally performs a software validity check, optionally performs a software update of the portable application stored on the peripheral device, and writes the connection parameters on the peripheral device (D), which are required for the peripheral device and the base unit to find each other, to permanent storage ( 8 For example, if WiFi is used, this would be the SSID, WEP / WPA2 and IP address of the receiver of the base unit, as well as the port number used for the base node software.

[0130] A client processing facility that wants its arbitrary media content to be placed on the node connected to the base node ( 5 ) connected central display, connects a peripheral device (D) to the USB port via ( 2 The peripheral device presents itself to the computer via the interface ( 2) as a composite device that includes a mass storage device and a keypad. This has the main advantage that no specific driver is required, as all these devices are natively supported by any PC that has a USB port. If Autorun is enabled, then the computer will run the files stored in the mass storage device ( 8 ) stored client software ( 7 The application will run automatically on the peripheral device. This initial user interaction, mentioned in the general case, is simply connecting the peripheral device to the USB port. If security measures have blocked Autorun, the user must explore the mass storage on the peripheral device and manually launch the portable application.

[0131] The portable application uses the wireless interface, for example WiFi interface, of the peripheral device ( 3), to connect to the correct base node. To know the correct base unit to connect to, the configuration parameters required to establish this connection are stored in the database ( 12 ) on the mass storage device ( 8 ) stored during the mating process described above.

[0132] Once the connection is established, the peripheral device enters connected mode. This means there is now at least one channel from the peripheral device to the base unit. The content is not yet displayed. The LED ( 10 ) at the peripheral device, it is now known, which provides a visual indication of this new state.

[0133] If the user wants to display their content on computer (C), they press the button ( 9 ). If the button was previously in the "connected" state (see Fig. 6) It now checks the status of the base unit (P). If the base unit is not in the "full" state, the peripheral device sends the arbitrary media content obtained via screen scraping to the base unit (B), which adds the media content to the composition on the central display. The peripheral device LED ( 10 ) now turns red to indicate a "show" state ( Fig. 6).

[0134] The button ( 9 ) acts like a switch. When the user presses the button again, the display content of this computer is removed from the projector. The LED ( 10 ) returns to white.

[0135] The use of the autorun feature is optional, if possible and enabled on computer (C), to run the client software ( 7to start as soon as the peripheral device is plugged in. In Windows, for example, this means mounting the peripheral device as a mass storage device and using the autorun.inf file stored on the peripheral device.

[0136] In many cases, however, this autorun feature is blocked for security reasons. In this case, if possible and enabled on computer (C:), we will use the autoplay feature to display the logo of the connected peripheral device on the computer's desktop. The user must then double-click this logo to launch the client software. If the autoplay feature is also unavailable or blocked as described above, the user must browse the file system of the connected peripheral device and launch the application manually. This means double-clicking the client.exe file in Windows, client.app on macOS, or tapping the corresponding application icon on a tablet or any mobile device with a touchscreen. Third embodiment: Portable application stored on a standard solid-state storage device such as a USB flash drive.

[0137] In the third embodiment, the portable application is stored on a solid-state storage device such as a regular USB flash drive ( Fig. 7).

[0138] With solid-state storage devices like a regular USB flash drive, there is no input device, visual indicator, or transmitter of the types described above for the connection unit. This means that the system must do the following: – Using the sender / receiver from the client processing unit, – Using a key or button on the client processing device as an input device, such as a physical key on the keyboard, a specific mouse press, a button area on a touchscreen, or a button displayed on a screen that is clicked with a mouse pointer. – Presenting the visual indicator on the display of the client processing unit.

[0139] The client processing setup then looks like this: Fig. 8 out.

[0140] This embodiment provides a peripheral interface, such as a USB interface, on each processing device, which acts as a host device, such as a computer, in a manner that is largely operating system independent. Installing drivers and / or applications on such a processing device, such as a computer, is unnecessary if pre-installed generic drivers are available. Administrator rights on the processing device, such as a computer, are preferably not required. To avoid the need for administrator rights, this embodiment uses other drivers pre-installed on the peripheral device, such as USB-class drivers, which are supported without additional installation.This embodiment of the present invention directs data obtained at least via screen scraping, presented by client software running on the processing device, to be transferred to a communication network via a network connection of the processing device. The client software is launched from the peripheral device, such as the USB device, as a portable application.

[0141] The first user operation then includes the following: – Inserting the solid-state device as a USB flash drive, – Starting the portable application (if autorun is disabled), – Configure the sender at the client processing unit to connect to the correct base node, using the configuration parameters shown on the central display ( 22 ) be used, – Triggering the connection of the portable application to the base node, for example by interacting with an element on the GUI ( 18 ) the portable application, which is presented on the display of the client processing device.

[0142] In this embodiment as well, visual feedback on user actions is presented using elements in the GUI of the client operating system's display.

[0143] In this embodiment, the advantage of a zero footprint is partially realized through the portable application in the sense that no software is installed or copied onto the client operating device, but a configuration change is required to connect the sender of the client operating device to the base node, which must then be reversed.

[0144] Optionally, the portable application can make configuration changes to the transmitter for the user.

[0145] Advantages lost in this embodiment – Partial loss of zero footprint of a portable application – More complex initial user interaction – More expertise is required from the user. – GUI required on the client operating system's display, which may also be shown on the central display. – A free key must be found on the client operating system if a physical key is used for the second user action. – The network interface is blocked by the portable application from other uses

[0146] Optionally, the last point can be avoided by using the base unit as a gateway to the network to which the client operating system wanted to connect through its own interface.

[0147] Advantages include: – tight control of user connectivity to a corporate network through settings on the base unit – Maintain network connectivity even when the transmitter is also used for display purposes.

[0148] One disadvantage is a higher vulnerability of the system, because the display connection may now be a potential entry point into the company network.

[0149] The remaining advantages are: – the availability of a physical medium for distributing the portable application to users – no need to install or copy software to the client operating system – a simple way to maintain software updates on the connection devices (here: memory sticks) via the base unit – Ability for the base unit to write configuration data to the connection unit, for example in the form of a configuration profile that can be read and used by the client operating system. Fourth embodiment: Software-only client installed on client processing equipment.

[0150] This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment with the only difference being that the software is copied to the client operating system ( Fig. 9) In this case, no plug and play port, such as a USB port, is required on the client operating system.

[0151] This design is typically used for tablet PCs and mobile devices. In this case – often no USB port is available – Application distribution is easy and enjoys broad acceptance through application stores Fifth embodiment: OEM base node software of projector or display equipment.

[0152] In this embodiment, the base node is not implemented as a separate physical box, but is integrated into the processing unit of a display or projector. All other details are as described previously. Sixth embodiment

[0153] In this embodiment, the base node is not implemented as a separate physical box, but is integrated into the codec of a video conferencing device. All other details are as described previously. Seventh implementation: Remote meeting participant

[0154] In this embodiment, one or more client operating units are not located in the immediate vicinity of the base node, but at a remote location.

[0155] To account for this case, the following adjustments are needed: – further compression and / or scaling of any media content to allow the use of a low-bandwidth connection – Ability to communicate connection parameters of the base node to a remote user – Connectivity of the base node to the WAN network to which the remote user is connected

[0156] All other details are as described previously. Eighth embodiment: Multiple base nodes

[0157] In this embodiment, multiple base nodes are used. This can be done for various purposes: – Connectivity of multiple central displays – Expansion of the floor area of ​​the central display – Connectivity of base nodes at different remote locations

[0158] This offers the advantage of being able to present from a single peripheral device to multiple base units. This is useful for a number of reasons: – Personal peripheral equipment: the user can have a personal peripheral equipment paired with several meeting rooms that he or she uses regularly. – Use in a meeting room with multiple base units, each controlling a different display in the same meeting room

[0159] The proposal uses a special variant of the peripheral device, referred to as a multi-base peripheral. The multi-base peripheral is equipped with a rotating wheel around the circular central "Show Me" button. This could be a mechanical multi-position rotary switch or something like the Touch Wheel on the iPod Classic.

[0160] Pairing this multi-base variant of the peripheral device: – the rotary knob is moved into the position of the corresponding base unit – the peripheral device is paired with the base node on a regular basis. – the configuration parameters are stored in a permanent storage location; each position of the rotary dial has a corresponding set of connection parameters (e.g. different rows in a table), each corresponding to a specific base.

[0161] The connection of the peripheral device is as follows: – Multi-base peripheral device X is plugged into a PC – Rotary knob on peripheral device X is moved to position A – Peripheral device X reads configuration parameters from position A of its internal memory. – Peripheral device X connects to base node A – Base node A displays a connection of the multi-base peripheral device X on the central display screen. – Rotary knob on peripheral device X is moved to position B – Peripheral device X reads configuration parameters from position B of its internal memory. – Peripheral device X connects to base node B – Base node B indicates the connection of the multi-base peripheral device X on the screen. – continue until the correct base is selected using the rotary dial – Clicking the peripheral input device, e.g., a button, to display content on the central display of the base node. – Turning the wheel always clicks the content away from the base of the last position first. Ninth embodiment

[0162] Fig. Figure 10 shows a peripheral device 47 According to an independent embodiment of the present invention, including an input device. This embodiment can be used with any of the embodiments described above.

[0163] The peripheral device is configured as a connection unit and is a physical device in the form of a connector for a plug and play interface of a user processing device as a host computer such as a USB connection, a flexible data and power connection connected to the connector, and a base, the base having an actuator, e.g. a button, which is configured to be an input device with the functions as described above.

[0164] The base and / or the actuator are preferably large, for example, with a surface area between 100 and 14,400 square millimeters. The base can be square, rectangular, round, hexagonal, oval, polygonal, or any other ergonomically suitable shape. The actuator is preferably round, but it can be square, rectangular, hexagonal, oval, polygonal, etc. There can be more than one actuator on a single base.

[0165] The length of the flexible data and power connection, e.g., the cable, is preferably designed to position the peripheral device (when connected and in its operating position), in particular the base and the actuator, within the area between the boundary of the connected user processing equipment and the ergonomic boundary as defined above. Furthermore, the flexible data and power connection should be designed to allow the base to lie flat on the meeting table, regardless of the orientation of the connector required to insert it into the plug-and-play interface. The flexible data and power connection can be a cable permanently fixed to and integrated within the base. Alternatively, the flexible data and power connection can be a separate cable connected to a suitable connector in the base, e.g., a USB connector.

[0166] The base unit preferably contains electronics such as permanent storage for the portable application and network configuration parameters, memory, a processing engine (e.g., CPU, FPGA), a wireless transmitter / receiver such as for Wi-Fi, a plug-and-play interface such as a USB interface, and an LED ring as a visual indicator. The portable application can be stored on the peripheral device, i.e., in the base unit. The visual indicator should provide user feedback on the status of any activity from the connection unit. • Some examples of the activation of the actuator, which can be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention: – Sound activated (clapping hands, speech recognition, computer sound, music, ...) – Remotely controlled via wirelessly connected devices (IR, Bluetooth, WiFi, ...) – Light activated – Pressure activated, e.g. pressing with a finger or hand. – Touch-activated – Proximity (“near-touch on the actuator or bringing the actuator close to an object”) – Biometric reader such as fingerprint reader, iris scanner, DNA analyzer – Keypad, for example, for entering a key code, such as a password Alternative designs

[0167] In the embodiments described above, after the connection between the connection device and a host computer is established, the peripheral device enters a connected mode. This means that there is at least one channel from the peripheral device to the base node. According to any embodiment of the present invention, multiple channels can be established between the connection device and the base node. These channels can be logical channels.

[0168] Some examples of such a multi-channel arrangement include the first channel and one or more of the additional channels: – The first channel is for the scraped image stream (XDS) – The second channel is for GPU commands (OpenGL, DirectX) – The third channel is for mouse pointer coordinates (absolute, relative) – The fourth channel is for mouse pointer icons – The fifth channel is for image data files (JPEG, PNG, GIF, ...) – The sixth channel is for multimedia data files or streams (MPEG2, MPEG4, OGG, H.26x, ...) – The seventh channel is for audio data files or streams (MP3, MP4, AAC, WMA, ...) – Channel eight is for text or document data files (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, ODT, ODS, PDF, ...) – The ninth channel is for transmitting a priority value 1, 2, 3... as described above.

[0169] In the embodiments described above, a specific method for pairing the peripheral device with the base node was described. Any embodiment of the present invention may include other pairing mechanisms, some examples of which are given below. • Some examples of pairing – Plug the peripheral device into a generic peripheral device port, such as a USB port on the base node or another USB-enabled device. Pairing information is transferred via the generic peripheral interface, such as USB. – The signal strength of the radio channel to the base node is used to identify which base node should be used. – The signal strength of the radio channel or any other channel. An example is an NFC / RFID transmitter that can be placed under the meeting room table. When the user places their processing device, such as a laptop and peripherals, on this table, the peripherals automatically pair with the meeting room's base station. – Manual pairing (e.g. by entering the IP address, hostname, radio ID (such as SSID on WiFi)). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0170] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0171] US 6966035

[0009] US 2010 / 0087139

[0009] US 2006 / 0095376

[0009] US 2009 / 0198839

[0018] US 2011 / 0115689

[0018] US 2002 / 0196378

[0061] Cited non-patent literature

[0172] Marc Al-Hames et al. However, report in “Audio-Visual Processing in Meetings: Seven Questions and Current AMI Answers”

[0007] "Mood Indicators on Electronic Meeting Tools", IBM, IP.com Number: IPCOM000011711D, Publication Date: March 12, 2003

[0009]

Claims

[1] Electronic meeting tool for communicating any media content from users during a meeting, comprising: a node configuration device designed to operate a display node of a communication network, wherein the display node is coupled to a first display, the node configuration device being designed to receive user-selected arbitrary media content and to control the display of the user-selected arbitrary media content on the first display; and at least one peripheral device designed to communicate the user-selected arbitrary media content over the communication network, the peripheral device being a linking unit comprising: (a) a connector designed to couple to a port of a processing unit with a second display, memory and an operating system; and (b) a transmitter for communicating with the communication network, a program designed to be loaded onto the processing device and to run on the processing device's operating system, wherein the program is designed to receive user-selected arbitrary media content, wherein the program leaves a zero footprint upon termination, and an input device to enable the user to perform a user action that triggers a transfer of the user-selected arbitrary media content to the sender through the port. [2] Electronic meeting tool according to claim 1, wherein the program is stored on the peripheral device. [3] Electronic meeting tool according to a preceding claim, wherein the transmitter is a radio transmitter or a transceiver. [4] Electronic meeting tool according to a preceding claim, wherein the peripheral device is a plug and play device. [5] Electronic meeting tool according to a preceding claim, wherein the program is designed for screen scraping of content from the second display. [6] Electronic meeting tool according to a preceding claim, wherein the input device is a physical actuator coupled to the peripheral device. [7] Electronic meeting tool according to claim 6, wherein the physical actuator has a surface area of ​​between 100 and 14,400 square millimeters. [8] Method for connecting a processing unit to a communication network, wherein the processing unit comprises a memory, a display and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing unit and a standard class of peripheral equipment, the method comprising the following steps: a) Coupling a peripheral device to the processing device, wherein the peripheral device includes a transceiver; b) Establishing a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the operating system's pre-installed generic driver; c) Connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral device; d) Routes of screen-scraping data between the processing unit and the communication network via the means of communication, using the generic communication protocol to transfer the screen-scraping data between the processing unit and the peripheral unit. [9] The method of claim 8, wherein step b) comprises: presenting the peripheral device of the processing device as a Human Interface Device and wherein the pre-installed generic driver is a Human Interface Device driver, or where step b) comprises: presenting the peripheral device of the processing device as a mass storage device and where the pre-installed generic driver is a mass storage device driver, or where step b) comprises: presenting the peripheral equipment of the processing equipment as a composite equipment and where the pre-installed generic drivers independently control different equipment interfaces. [10] Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein a client application is stored on the peripheral device which, when executed on the processing device, receives the data obtained via screen scraping. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the client application is a portable application. [12] Method for communicating any media content from users during a meeting, comprising: Operating a display node of a communication network, wherein the display node is coupled to a first display to receive user-selected arbitrary media content and to control the display of the user-selected arbitrary media content on the first display; and Connecting a peripheral device to a port of a processing device and communicating user-selected arbitrary media content over the communication network, loading a program onto the processing device and executing the program on the processing device's operating system to obtain user-selected arbitrary media content, the program leaving a zero footprint upon termination, and triggering a transfer of user-selected arbitrary media content to the sender through the port after a user action on an input device. [13] Method according to claim 12, further comprising configuring the peripheral device for connection to the communication network by pairing the peripheral device with the display node. [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein the pairing is carried out by inserting the peripheral device into the display node. [15] Peripheral device for use with a connector for connecting to a plug and play port of a host processing device and a flexible connection for use with the connector, the flexible connection being intended for transferring data signals and power, the peripheral device comprising: a base, an actuator on the base for activating a signal and for transferring the signal to the connector for transfer to the port, wherein the base comprises electronics including a permanent memory for storing a portable application, a processing engine, a receiver and a visual indicator. [16] Methods for providing communication connectivity from a processing unit, Setting up a communication network between a display node of the communication network and a peripheral device coupled to the processing device; Transferring media content between the processing unit and the peripheral unit, Transfer of media content from the peripheral device to the communication network, Receiving media content from the communication network at the display node and displaying the media content on a display according to a set of rules. [17] Method according to claim 16, further comprising configuring the peripheral device for connection to the communication network by pairing the peripheral device with the display node. [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the pairing is carried out by inserting the peripheral device into the display node. [19] Peripheral device for providing communication connectivity to a processing device equipped with memory, a display and an operating system, wherein at least one pre-installed generic driver provides a generic communication protocol for communication between the processing device and a standard class of peripheral devices, wherein the peripheral device includes memory in which executable software code for execution on the processing device is stored, wherein the executable software code comprises: a first software code section to set up a means of communication between the peripheral device and the processing device using the operating system's pre-installed generic driver; a second software code section for connecting the processing unit to a communication network via the peripheral unit, wherein the peripheral unit comprises a transceiver; a third software code section for screen scraping of data from the processing unit and a fourth software code for routing data obtained by screen-scraping between the processing unit and the communication network via the means of communication; wherein the first software code section is designed to use the generic communication protocol for transferring the data obtained by screen-scraping between the processing unit and the peripheral unit.

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